melting into the scenery

Another place I enjoy in the Tulsa area is the Mary Oxley Nature Center in the NE part of the city. Meadows, forests, marsh, pond. Peacefulness, many trails, vibrant red dragonflies, fluttery sunny butterflies, and eye-gazing frogs. A good energy for an afternoon of exploration. :)

the veil of light between us

Over the weekend, we traveled to the Tulsa area, about 1 1/2 hours NE of OKC. One place we visited was the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks (just west of Tulsa). This photo is of a shark floating overhead. It's a magical sensation and experience... and the dome has an amazing echo, which made me wish they rented it out for song and chant. :o :)

lost in the meadow

Martin Nature Center in North OKC is a beautiful, serene retreat. These photos are from September. My daughter decided that even for a nature walk, she needed to pack up a purse. It had odd items, such as a new container of tooth powder that she took from the house on the sly. Never know when you might need that.

The nature center has a blend of scenery, but this is the heart of the meadow - grasses and flowers and creatures tangled together, soaking in sunlight.

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I've, obviously, been off in la la land. The one known as life, how strange. :) September and October were quite a strong blend of bliss and stress, growth and chaos. They were also quite photo-rich, whoops. I'm finding my footing again, and will start posting here daily.

awake beneath the flora

Also from the Myriad Botanical Gardens. Eyes that seem to see things, and he didn't particularly mind having random things growing all over him. Or, maybe he did and next time we'll see him eating his way out of that little tropical chaos. (Okay, or maybe not.)

sitting up high

Today, I went deep into tropical forests... or, well, seeing as how those aren't too common here in Oklahoma, the closest thing: the Myriad Botanical Gardens. :)

a dance of clouds

Yes, more from the lake (Hefner). I've been going with my children, and by myself, a lot. :)

I've also been a tad (only a tad?) less than daily here - I've just started kindergarten (homeschool) with my son, so we're getting settled into our rhythms.

moody lake

I went to the lake tonight. This photo was taken right before it started pouring. The wind was strong and when the rain started falling, the sensation against my face (eyes closed) was amazing. However, the short walk to the car soaked my clothes, and I could barely get the car door open from the strength of the wind against it. Pure natural power, and I was in heaven. (But glad I wasn't wearing something nearly-sheer. :o) My actual house, not too far away, didn't get a drop, so I was especially pleased to have experienced the beauty right by the water's edge.

sunset

Snuck away last night to watch the sunset by the lake. I always feel so connected and at peace by the water. I've decided to do this at least a couple times per week.

spiral spider

I believe this is a Black and Yellow Argiope, who has made the side of my house its home. What a vibrant creature! Rather glad they like gardens and not bathroom corners though...

water bliss

This morning, I took the kids to Lake Hefner. It was early, before 9, and was so quiet and peaceful. When sitting near the edge, the sky and water became one, the hues interlocking and blurring, the gentle waves having a meditative quality. I was in love.